King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 4:5 in the King James Version says “And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilie...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths. with flowers: or, like a lilyflower”

2 Chronicles 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.

4

It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

5

And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths. with flowers: or, like a lilyflower

6

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. such: Heb. the work of burnt offering

7

And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

Read 2 Chronicles 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Sacred objects for worship reflecting heavenly realities. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Furnishings point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעָבְי֣וֹ1 of 13

“And the thickness”

H5672

density, i.e., depth or width

טֶ֔פַח2 of 13

“of it was an handbreadth”

H2947

a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)

שְׂפַת3 of 13

“and the brim”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה4 of 13

“of it like the work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

שְׂפַת5 of 13

“and the brim”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כּ֔וֹס6 of 13

“of a cup”

H3563

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

פֶּ֖רַח7 of 13

“with flowers”

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה8 of 13

“of lilies”

H7799

a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape)

מַֽחֲזִ֣יק9 of 13

“and it received”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בַּתִּ֔ים10 of 13

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת11 of 13

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֖ים12 of 13

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

יָכִֽיל׃13 of 13

“and held”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:26

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